October is Fair Trade Month

Back in September, I received an email from Fair Trade USA asking if I might write a little about them in October — Fair Trade Month. I said yes, and they were kind enough to send me a box of Fair Trade goodies to enjoy and maybe mention.

But I said yes for a bigger reason: Fair Trade matters. Products that bear the Fair Trade Certified label were produced in an ethical manner — meaning that the people who grew and created them were treated fairly and paid properly. I first learned of Fair Trade in terms of coffee, but the designation is now carried on teas, chocolates, grains and so much more — even lip gloss. And Fair Trade USA? It’s a nonprofit that I can totally get behind. They are doing good work.

What’s more is that these products are well made. The food stuffs are just plain good. I’ve been using Near East products for years, and love that they carry the Fair Trade certification. The SunSpire Organic Chocolate Chips were perfect in my Easy Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Granola Bars. The TCHO chocolate was a lovely treat too. And my kids totally swiped all the Kopali Chocolate Banana. And the Badger lipgloss? Love. I even wore it on a recent business trip in New York.

October and Fair Trade Month may be over now, but every time you make a purchase you have the opportunity to choose something that’s Fair Trade giving farmers and workers around the world a hand in getting fair wages and access to basic things like education.

Just so you know, I wasn’t compensated for this post. And heck, I would have said yes even if they didn’t send me a box of goodies. This is something I believe strongly in.